What exactly does USDA Organic mean?

We are proud to be a USDA Certified Organic farm, but some people may wonder what exactly does that mean?

Primarily, it means that our commitment to our members to provide you with produce,free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs,) synthetic fertilizers and pesticides,which has been grown in a manner that is sustainable and respectful of the natural environment, goes beyond just our promise to you.

As stated in the CT Department of Agriculture’s weekly report “ [the National Organic Program Standards]program includes organic standards, prohibited practices, requirements producers need to meet, and the list of allowed and prohibited materials. The complexities of this certification have created the hardest commodity standards any producers have to comply with. The grower or livestock producer who wishes to become certified organic must provide proof of using approved USDA organic standards and methods. These standards and methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

All growers or livestock producers wishing to market their products as certified organic must follow the laws that regulate the creation, production, handling, labeling, and trade of their organic products. These producers are also subject to random sampling verifying these practices are being followed. Through these methods, the integrity of organic products is maintained, and with the inspections and product testing, consumers can purchase these items with confidence, knowing organic standards are being followed.”

We are happy to report we have earned certification renewal again this year.